Looking Forward to Summer Picnics

It is rather anticipatory making a summer frock when there is still snow forecast, but hey ho. I wanted to try and use a plaid fabric that was not expensive because I have never worked in a bold check or plaid before, and I did not want a ‘Disaaaaaaaaaster, darling’ with some lovely but expensive material. I must also admit I have always feared looking like a picnic tablecloth, so that if I lay on some sunny greensward and closed my eyes I would waken to find myself covered in cucumber sandwiches and Pimms.

However, the beautiful Earth, Air & Water linen took my fancy as just the colours I like, and so I took the plunge. First of all I washed the fabric in the washing machine at 30˚C. I offer a small warning here. Do this on its own as it does lose colour, at least on the first wash. The laundry bag emerged a delicate sea green! I would actually wash this on its own (unless you have lots of sea green) for several washes. At the same time it did not look noticeably lighter, so it is just a colour fastness issue.

It irons nicely, and I have to say it feels wonderful when worn. It is feather light, soft, drapes beautifully, and feels fresh and summery. I will certainly have this as a mainstay for the summer if the weather reaches a decent temperature.

I made up another retro pattern (Vogue V8811), and even purchased a nice vintage buckle that was a perfect colour match for the fabric (I went to VintageGreenClothing on Etsy for this).